Hayley Paterson

For powerhouse prop Paul Hill, 19, (pictured) was part of the England rugby team who retained their World Junior Championship crown in thrilling fashion.

The talented teenager and his team-mates fended off a dramatic fightback from 2012 champions South Africa to lift the prestigious trophy in Auckland following a 21-20 victory.

And that cup is just another to add to the bulging trophy cabinet former Misterton Primary and Hayfield pupil Hill boasts following an impressive career on the rugby field both regionally and internationally.

“He has done brilliantly, we’re so proud of him,” said Hill’s former PE teacher Ian Taylor at Hayfield.

“We were delighted when we’d seen he’d won the World championship with England - that’s something he’ll always remember. You could always see he was going to be special player - he had the right attitude and worked so hard to achieve his goals.

“I remember watching him in rugby games for the school and when he’d go into the scrum, it would just buckle because he was so powerful. He’s a great talent.

“He was a pleasure to teach too, he always wanted to do his best. We expect him to go further both internationally and at club level.”

Bavarian-born Hill began honing his rugby talents even further after moving to England from Germany. He began playing for Doncaster Knights’ U7s team.

Hill continued to play during his school years with Misterton and Hayfield before moving to West Yorkshire where he now stars for Championship outfit Leeds Carnegie.

The former Yorkshire U15s and U16s player has represented England U16A and the U17s. He also made his first appearance at U18 level against Scotland last year.